King Abdullah of Jordan made a highly important statement in recent weeks on “the need for a comprehensive and lasting peace based on a two-state solution, leading to an independent Palestinian state on 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital”.
In fact, this isn’t the Jordanian position, but rather the common Arab stance which has been reiterated on countless occasions since the launch of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which itself has been repeatedly affirmed in successive Arab League events.
The Peace to Prosperity economic workshop, to be held in Manama on 25-26 June is one of the most important set-piece events on the Palestinian issue in recent years. It is a much-needed opportunity to encourage investment in support of the Palestinian economy, with the aspiration of giving ordinary Palestinians a better standard of living and a dignified future.
However, the Peace workshop is not the peace process and shouldn’t be seen as an alternative or replacement to the peace process. If there isn’t an end to the occupation, then there are few prospects for a flourishing economy. Millions of dollars investment can be destroyed by airstrikes and incursions. Livelihoods can be destroyed by blockades, closures and checkpoints; while harvests can be ruined by rampaging Zionist settlers.
The US can define East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and even the West Bank however it likes; but this doesn’t change the fact that this is and will remain Arab land, as recognized by international law and affirmed by the vast majority of civilized nations.
The Manama Peace to Prosperity Workshop thus should reinforce and accelerate the peace process, towards the unambiguous goal of a viable, independent and sovereign Palestinian state. Any attempt to reach a deal which doesn’t fulfil these principles, or to block progress towards a deal will never be accepted by the Palestinians, by the Arab world, and all those with a conscience around the world who have supported the Palestinian issue over many decades.
If America and the international community are serious about peace on these terms, there must be substantial confidence-building measures to convince the Palestinians and their leaders that this is a process which deserves engaging with. Peace cannot be imposed on the Palestinians; it must be achieved in accordance with their priorities in a spirit of dialogue and compromise – while not expecting one side only to be making all the compromises and concessions.
Bahrain is proud to be part of an event which represents a step on the path towards peace and we emphasize our solidarity with the Palestinian nation in their just struggle for independence. We hope that this dream will be achieved sooner rather than later; particularly as the Palestinian issue has been the principle obstacle to lasting peace across the region.